A fundamental debate in education: Multiculturalism andmulticultural education

Cultural diversity has long been a characteristic of human socitieties, with people of varied traditions, languages and identities coexisting within the same geographical spaces. In the 21st century, globalization has intensified cultural interactions, making multiculturalism an inevitable social reality. This thesis employs the term multiculturalism not only to describe the existence of cultural diversity but also to refer to policies aimed at preserving and promoting it. Correspondingly, multicultural education refers to educational programs designed to address and incorporate this diversity within learning environments. Emerging as a responce to the challenges posed by increasing cultural diversity, multicultural education seeks to provide an inclusive framework that is both intellectually coherent and ethically grounded. The primary aim of this thesis is to develop a consistent theoretical foundation for multicultural education, the study seeks to shed light on the complex political, social, cultural, religious and moral dimensions of the issue. Moreover, the thesis critically explores fundamental questions: Should schools prioritize the preservation of traditional cultural critique and transformation? Can students be encouraged to engage with diverse cultural identities and enter into intercultural dialogue without undermining their own cultural affiliations? This study addopt a critical, comprehensive and systematic approach to explore these questions, aiming to contribute meaninfully to the theoretical and practical development of multicultural education.